Jakarta, Jan. 8 -- Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS as a full member, Brazil's government announced this week. The group, which brings together major emerging economies, now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia. Indonesia's foreign ministry welcomed the news in a statement, describing BRICS membership as "a strategic way to increase collaboration and partnership with other developing nations".

As the world's fourth most populous country, Indonesia had long expressed interest in joining BRICS to strengthen alliances among emerging nations and advance the goals of the Global South.

BRICS has been expanding its membership in recent years. Alongside Indonesia, the bloc also includes Egypt, Ethiopia,...